Fmc Corporation

Gerald Holmes Slattery

Leonard Seglin

This specification discloses a vapor phase process for oxidizing acetaldehyde to peracetic acid, acetic acid being also formed at the same time, in an elongated reaction zone into which oxygen is fed through a plurality of oxygen injection sites spaced along the length of the reaction zone. The reaction gas mixture velocity through the reaction zone in the areas of the oxygen injection sites is maintained in excess of the flame velocity of the reaction gas mixture and the reaction zone temperature is maintained between about 140.degree. C. and about 180.degree. C.

Preparation of peracetic acid by oxidation of acetaldehyde

This specification discloses a vapor phase process for oxidizing acetaldehyde to peracetic acid, acetic acid being formed as an additional product. Oxygen is used as the oxidizer at concentrations of less than 10% by using excess acetaldehyde and diluting the reaction with recycle gas. Initial mixing of the oxygen with acetaldehyde is done in an explosion-suppression chamber prior to introducing the reaction mixture into a reactor.

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Pasadena, MD, United States of America

Gerald Holmes Slattery